ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK
APPROVAL WORKSHEET
INSTRUCTION
August 2016
A.
SCOPE AND APPLICATION
The “Energized Electrical Work Approval Worksheet” (hereafter known as the
Approval Worksheet) has been established to ensure that all safety requirements
are reviewed and implemented, as necessary, to protect workers from the
potentially harmful effects of energized electrical circuits at all University of
Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) properties. It is based on the requirements
contained in NFPA 70E “Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace” and
OSHA regulations.
B.
COMPLIANCE
The Energized Electrical Work Approval Worksheet and Instruction applies to all
employees and students who work on energized circuits and equipment. It will
be used by those are required to work on/near exposed bare or covered
conductors of electrical circuits/equipment while performing their job tasks or
research responsibilities.
C.
DEFINITIONS
(1)
Bare Conductor – A conductor having no covering or insulation
whatsoever.
(2)
Covered Conductor – A conductor encased within material of
composition or thickness that is not recognized as electrical insulation.
(3)
Insulated Conductor – A conductor encased within material of
composition and thickness that is recognized as electrical insulation.
(4)
Exposed (as applied to live parts) – Capable of being inadvertently
touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person. It is
applied to parts not suitable guarded, isolated, or insulated.
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(5)
(6)
D.
Qualified Person – One who has received training in and has
demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of
electrical equipment and installations and the hazards involved.
a.
Determining if an individual is considered to be a “qualified person”
will depend upon various circumstances in the workplace. It is
possible and, in fact, likely for an individual to be considered
qualified with regard to certain equipment in the workplace, but
unqualified as to other equipment.
b.
A worker who is undergoing on the job training and who, in the
course of such training, has demonstrated an ability to perform
duties safely at his or her level of training and who is under the
direct supervision of a qualified person is considered to be a
qualified person for the performance of those duties.
Worker - UNLV faculty, staff, researchers, part-time employees and
contractors hired to perform electrical work on UNLV properties.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(1)
(2)
Risk Management and Safety (RMS)
a.
Provide an Approval Worksheet (Appendix A) for use at UNLV.
b.
Assist department managers and supervisors, as needed, prepare
the worksheet.
c.
Perform reviews of this instruction and worksheet and update when
necessary.
d.
Offer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training classes.
Department Directors and Managers (UNLV staff only)
a.
Identify work that must be performed on energized electrical
circuits/equipment.
b.
Verify that workers are properly trained and skilled to work on
energized circuits/equipment and meet the definition of a “qualified
person.
c.
Also verify that supervisors are qualified to oversee this type of
work.
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(3)
d.
Authorize workers and supervisors to complete the require job
tasks.
e.
Instruct workers and supervisors on the “Approval Worksheet” and
this instruction.
f.
Ensure all assessments are performed; identify all hazards and
methods that will be used to protect workers.
f.
Provide workers with an opportunity to attend appropriate training
and refresher training on CPR and electrical safety related topics.
g.
Provide re-training when:
i.
Deficiencies exist in workers’ knowledge of, or failure to
follow all prescribed steps.
ii.
Changes are necessary because of equipment, work
processes, or procedure changes.
iii.
Other situations arise that suggests that additional training is
necessary.
Department Supervisors (UNLV staff only)
a.
Provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and
proper tools to adequately protect against electrical hazards
encountered.
b.
Establish a system for PPE/tool testing and certification.
c.
Complete the following steps prior to performing work on energized
circuits:
i.
Identify the work to be done.
ii.
Obtain information from hazard assessments performed.
iii.
Specify appropriate PPE and tools to protect workers and
ensure it is inspected prior to use.
iv.
Obtain approval (as follows) for all jobs requiring work on
energized circuits and complete Approval Worksheet.
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(4)
E.
50 V – 150 V
Assistant Director/Manager
151 V – 350 V
Director/Department Chair
351 V & up
Executive Director/Dean
v.
Provided a signed copy of the worksheet to RMS prior to
commencing work.
vi.
Conduct a job briefing and inform staff of potential hazards
and methods of protection.
vii.
Oversee energized electrical work projects to ensure all
precautions are followed.
Employee
a.
Complete all required training courses.
b.
Inspect PPE prior to use and inform supervisor about defective
PPE components to be replaced.
c.
Obtain authorization to perform work on energized circuits prior to
commencing the job.
d.
Attend the job briefing and follow all instruction given.
e.
Properly use all PPE and the tools specified for the job.
DE-ENERGIZED WORK
(1)
The primary and foremost method for safeguarding workers will be to deenergize the electrical system before any work is allowed to begin.
(2)
De-energizing the system will be accomplished as follows:
(3)
a.
All power sources shall be identified, de-energized and properly
locked out using general or equipment specific procedures.
b.
Meters/test equipment will be used to verify that all residual energy
has been released from the machine or equipment.
Situations where the shutdown of power to a building is necessary shall be
effectively communicated to building occupants, proctors and managers.
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F.
ENERGIZED WORK
(1)
Working on energized electrical lines and equipment will only be
authorized when:
a.
It is impossible to complete the job with the power supply turned off.
b.
The work to be done meets the approved categories specified in
NFPA 70E.
(2)
Only qualified personnel will be allowed to perform work on energized
systems, components or parts, following the requirements covered in
NFPA 70E and general industry practices.
(3)
Diagnostic troubleshooting and testing on energized circuits may be
performed by qualified, trained and experienced personnel who are:
a.
Using appropriate PPE and proper tools for the task.
Note: To determine appropriate PPE, see 2015 NFPA 70E Table
130.7(C) (15) (A) (b).
b.
(4)
G.
Performing all tasks in accordance with applicable local, state and
federal codes.
Before beginning any energized work complete the steps listed in D (3) c
of this instruction.
CONTRACTORS/SUB-CONTRACTORS
(1)
Contractors and sub-contractors whose job assignments require working
on energized electrical circuits on UNLV properties shall comply with all
safety requirements contained in the contract, applicable standards
specified in NFPA 70E, Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
and all other pertinent OSHA regulations.
(2)
Contractors and sub-contractors shall submit a copy of their written
Energized Work Safety Program to the UNLV point of contact, if
requested.
(3)
Contractors and sub-contractors may also request a copy of this
instruction and approval worksheet through their UNLV point of contact.
(4)
Contractors will submit a signed copy of their Energized Electrical Work
Permit to their UNLV point of contact before commencing work.
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H.
ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS
The variety of events held at the Thomas & Mack Center, Cox Pavilion and Sam
Boyd Stadium pose unique challenges during show setup that could fall outside
the realm of traditional industrial applications working with energized circuits.
The power distribution for events varies according to the event; however the
initial setup is always the same.
I.
(1)
Power originates at the Main Distribution Panel (MSD) from a fused
breaker.
(2)
Power then goes to a Quick Disconnect Panel where the line side of that
service is always HOT.
(3)
Protection is provided via a knife switch in the OFF position that feeds the
load side of that service.
(4)
After plugging the event’s feeder into the Cam Locks at the service that
feeds The Events Distro or Power Supply, engage the knife switch at the
Quick Disconnect sending power throughout.
(5)
Once everything is powered up and running, run a series of amp
draws/tests at the Quick Disconnect Panel; checking for balance on the
loads from phase to phase and phase to neutral.
(6)
Service complete.
(7)
During load – out, the previous steps would be completed in reverse
order.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(1)
Appendix A – “Energize Electrical Work Approval Worksheet”
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Appendix A
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